Zedcrest Group has completed its acquisition of Leatherback, the UK-founded global payments and financial technology company, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s ambition to build a globally connected financial services ecosystem.. This cements years of partnership following Zedcrest original investment in Leatherback announced in 2021
The acquisition brings together one of Africa’s leading financial services groups with a fast-growing payments platform that has built a reputation for simplifying international payments for individuals and businesses across multiple markets. By combining Leatherback’s technology and product innovation with Zedcrest’s institutional expertise, governance, capital strength, and long-term investment capacity, the businesses are well positioned to accelerate the next phase of Leatherback’s growth while expanding access to seamless global financial services.
Since its launch, Leatherback has evolved into a trusted platform enabling customers to send, receive, convert, and manage money across multiple currencies through a single digital experience. Designed to simplify cross-border commerce for globally mobile individuals and businesses, the platform has continued to expand its reach while building a reputation for reliability, speed, and innovation.
The acquisition marks the beginning of a new phase in Leatherback’s journey. While the company will continue to build on the strong foundation it had established from its London global headquarters, it has recently opened its West African hub in Nigeria. The company is also making plans to open its North American hub in Canada and its East African Hub in Kenya in the coming quarters.
Leatherback will continue to invest in its operations, governance and team over the coming months, reinforced by Zedcrest Group’s institutional strength and long-term capital commitment. This continued investment is intended to support the platform’s reliability and growth as it serves customers and partners across all its market. The business will continue to be led by its existing leadership team, providing continuity for customers, partners, and employees while benefiting from the enhanced governance, institutional strength, and long-term strategic support of Zedcrest Group. As the company enters its next phase of growth, customers can expect the same trusted service and relationships, delivered with even stronger institutional backing.
Adedayo Amzat, Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Group, said: “This acquisition represents far more than an expansion of our portfolio. It reflects our conviction that the future of financial services will be shaped by technology, global connectivity, and institutional trust. Leatherback has built an impressive platform that addresses real challenges in cross-border payments, and we see significant opportunities to accelerate that journey through the strength of the Zedcrest ecosystem.”
Ochebhoya Ekpete, Chief Executive Officer, Leatherback, said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for Leatherback. We have built a business focused on solving real challenges in global payments, and this transaction positions us to build on that foundation with even greater scale, capability, and long-term vision.
“For our customers and partners, our commitment remains unchanged. They can continue to expect the same reliable service and seamless experience they know us for, while we continue investing in innovation, strengthening our capabilities, and expanding the opportunities we create for them across global markets.”
This represents another significant milestone in Zedcrest Group’s growth journey, reinforcing its commitment to building globally relevant businesses across investment banking, asset management, securities, financing, and financial technology. For Leatherback, it provides a stronger institutional platform to pursue its long-term ambitions while remaining focused on delivering simple, secure, and innovative financial solutions for customers around the world.
About Zedcrest Group
Zedcrest Group is a leading African financial services group providing integrated solutions across asset management, investment banking, securities, financing, and financial technology. Since its inception in 2013, the Group has built a reputation for delivering innovative financial solutions that improve capital flows, strengthen businesses, and create long-term value for individuals, institutions, governments, and corporates across Africa and global markets.
About Leatherback
Leatherback is a UK-founded global payments and financial technology company that enables individuals and businesses to send, receive, convert, and manage money seamlessly across multiple currencies through a secure digital platform. With a growing international footprint, the company simplifies global payments and commerce through technology-driven solutions designed for an increasingly connected world.
